"And Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has a "sports complex" under construction, scheduled for completion in 2006. A tidy little $28 million down the crapper."
"Which the residents voted for in a bond election. What is the problem?"
The problem is these 'elections' are about as examplary as Iran's latest election in showcasing democracy.
If they are anything like the Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD bond elections, they do these things:
1. They pick an election date that is very obscure. turnout is under 10% typically, and may get under 5%. Then they target the 'pro' voters to grease the wheels for a yes vote.
(Austin pulled the same stunt when they made a special election date for their hospital tax district proposal.)
2. They set up early voting locations *in schools*, all the more easy to get the clients voting for it.
3. They use taxpayer money to 'explain' the election ("It's for the children"), and in effect campaign for it with flyers
(With Austin they pulled this stunt for their commuter rail proposal). Unless there is a grassroots opposition, the voters get only one side of the story ("do you want kids learning in schools with leaky roofs? Then support our $1 billion renovation program for schools")
4. If the voters say 'no', they take it as a 'maybe', and give it another crack until the voters make the 'right' decision. (For example, Round Rock's bond election was turned down, but they are going back with something later in the year.)
Do steps 1-4 and you can get a 'yes' for anything.
1. The State of Texas sets the elections date.
2. Most polling locations are in schools and churchs for federal and state elections anyway. When you move them you confuse the voters. They are keeping the same polling locations which work in every election.
3. The Texas Ethics Commission ruled that school districts cannot do that so if they are doing it report that to the TEC.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/local/states/texas/northeast/9942700.htm
4. Or in other words. The voters defeated a bond proposal and then the voters approved a subsequent bond election. Well to democracy.
Yes, indeed... just like school board elections that are designed to ensure eternal incumbency.